Lee stood outside the Yavin temple. It was quiet, too quiet. He looked around the shipyard wondering where all the pilots usual lingered and saw the Death Star rising into the sky.

"Sound the alarm!" He yelled and raced into the base with the evacuation alarm shrieking throughout the temple. Finally others appeared and scrambled to through the common area to get to their transports. He made his way into the communications room and found Rya with a headset on continuing with her meeting undeterred by what was happening.

"Our fleet size has been diminished but we can secure a small post," she said looking up at Lee annoyed by his interruption.

"Rya we need to leave," Lee said, taking her by the arm. She pulled away. "That thing! It's here! It will destroy us just like the base on Scarif!"

"So be it," she said, continuing to work.

"Rya?!" Lee pleaded.

"Rogue one did their duty, now it's our turn," she stated sternly.

"If you're not on our ship in two minutes I'm dragging you there," He said and made his way to the Stargazer. Lee paused. He knew the ship had been destroyed on Tatooine. Was he dreaming?

As the other ships began to lift off he ignored his confusion and rushed aboard the aircraft. The cockpit was just as he had left it. He adjusted the controls but nothing happened. The power was out. He kicked the control panel hoping the power would come on. Nothing happened. This was not good. He needed to find another way off the base.

Lee ran off the ship and stopped dead in his tracks to find Cassian Andor stand below the ramp.

"Andor?" Lee said bewildered knowing he had died. Andor looked at him and smirked his charming smile Lee could not stand.

"You're in this now," he said. Out of the corner of his eye, Lee saw the Death Star preparing to fire on Yavin. He gazed in horror as the sky grew bright bright green and he felt the heat of the explosion.

"Ah!" Lee screamed and gasped for air as he sat up in bed.

Rya quickly sat up and rubbed his back to calm him. He had been having nightmares ever since Scarif. Many of the pilots were, but Lee's had been so vivid that he insisted they were some sort of premonition. This prompted him to take a strong interest in where the transmitted plans where and if they had arrived on Alderaan.

"Lee, it's ok," she soothingly said. "You're safe on Yavin. I'm here."

Lee was cold with sweat and tried to slow his breathing. He felt Rya's fingers softly brush through his hair. He felt guilty she hadn't had a peaceful night since the Battle of Scarif. He took her hand and squeezed before getting out of bed. He was awake and trying to fall back asleep would be useless. "I'm fine."

"No you're not," she protested, remaining in bed. She was exhausted not only from the lack of sleep but Lee's persistence in ignoring his trauma. She wanted to help, but he wouldn't let her in. Truthfully neither of them knew what to do. This was new territory for them. They were in the middle of a war."It's been five days since you've slept through the night."

"Any word on the plans? Last you said Bail hadn't heard from the princess. She should be on Alderaan by now. Did you tell him about the Imperial Shuttle I saw trailing her transport?" Lee ignored his wife's concerns.

"Lee," She finally rose from bed and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I've told them everything you saw. We can't loos hope. Leia probably has taken a detour to avoid any imperial entanglements."

"Somethings not right," he said. "I can feel it."

"I know we said we should remain on Yavin, but maybe it's time we return to Lothal," Rya gently suggested. She didn't want to leave the rebellion but she feared for Lee's well being most of all. Something had shifted in him and she felt it may never shift back.

"We can't give up now," Lee said. "You've just been appointed to the Rebel counsel. They need someone like you. Someone who knows what it's like out in the field, not hiding behind a senate seat."

"I know the rebellion has changed quite a bit for both of us," she said, wondering if his plea to stay was truly for her new position or his."But I didn't expect this. Nor to see you become a starfighter overnight."

"So what? I'm just supposed to sit out of the fight because I chauffeured spies for the last few years? I'm a good pilot, you know that Rya. The rebellion needs all the pilots they can get now that we're in the thick of it," Lee argued. "You sound just like Cassian Andor," she remarked.

"Someone should," Lee muttered.

"What do you mean by that?" Rya asked, annoyed.

"I mean as long as we are waiting around for a teenager to deliver the plans on how to take out that monstrosity, the whole galaxy is in jeopardy. We need a backup plan before the Empire decides to strike again."

"We have no leads right now and sending search parties would be a waste if she shows up in the next day or so. We just have to be patient."

"Patience will lead to our annihilation," Lee said darkly. Rya frowned shaking her head. Lee didn't want to argue anymore and knew they both needed to take some time. "Look, I'm sorry. I just don't want to see a repeat of Scarif. "I know. We're both struggling with things," she said returning to bed.

"With the rebellion or our marriage," Lee asked worried as he had never seen Rya fold so quickly from a debate.

"Both," she admitted and closed her eyes. "Are you coming back to bed?"

"I'm awake," Lee said. "I'm going to get some coffee and go for a walk. Can I bring you anything?"

"I'm fine," she lied and pulled the blanket over her shoulder. Lee sighed and left their quarters toward the base's eatery.

"Tersu!" called one of the pilots from Blue Squadron. "Late night for you, or early morning?"

"Don't know yet," Lee said as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "You?"

"Still yesterday for me," The pilot chuckled. "I was just recanting the battle to these new pilots. Can you come over and describe what you saw?"

"Maybe another time," Lee said, looking over at a group of boys no older than sixteen eagerly awaiting the pilot's return. They were kids and ready to die for the cause.

"Oh come on man," the pilot insisted. "I can't describe what we saw the way you can. It was huge! Almost the size of a small moon."

"Maybe stop treating it like a tall tale and train the kids to dodge Ties," Lee suggested but the pilot pulled his arm. Lee snapped, dropping his coffee and grabbed the pilot by the collar. "Do you think this is a joke?! Something to laugh over in a canteen? People died!" "Relax Tersu!" The pilot struggled to free himself. "Lee's right," Denz said, walking over intending to diffuse the situation. "Better to train the kids with what they'll be up against instead of scare them. Go have them fly the training course." Lee let the pilot go who scuffed and spit on the floor giving the two a dirty look. "Loth-rats. Alright pilots let's go." "What a nerfherder," Denz said and patted Lee on the back and walked back to the coffee pot and poured the remaining liquid into two cups. "Thanks," Lee said, taking the mug and sipping.

"Ry hear anything about the plans?" Denz asked.

"No," Lee sulked. "Even if she did, I don't think she would tell me."

"I'm not gonna follow up on that one. Sounds like a trap," Denz joked and walked out of the base to the front courtyard and sat to watch the ships take off for training. "Not a bad morning."

"Looks the same as the others," Lee pessimistically noted.

"I'm sure glad I didn't see what you saw," Denz commented. "It's changed you buddy."

"Rya said the same thing," Lee admitted. "I'm scared she's right."

"Would it be so bad if she was?" Denz asked matter of factly. Lee turned to him and pondered the question before Denz jumped to his next one. "Any word about your sister?"

"No," Lee said, shaking his head. "But Cassian said the strangest thing before Scarif."

"What?"

"He said I should forgive her," Lee looked out into the distance as the sun rose. Denz had no idea what to say. All he knew was that Lee was struggling. He sat with him in silence. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention her to anyone outside our crew."

"Sure thing," Denz agreed.

"And that you remember what she did for us," Lee added. "I have a feeling she's defected from the Imperial Army. The galaxy is not a kind place to many, especially traitors or compliant imperials. If you ever come across her just remember she helped us."

"I will. What does she look like?" Denz asked.

"Like me, only less handsome," Lee smiled.

"So not my type," Denz was glad to see his friend finally smile as they saw a familiar ship begin to land. It was the Revenant. "Speaking of my type, look who it is."

The two approached the ship excited to see their former partner Jules Roy. The ramp lowered and out stepped a male Cerean.

"Who are you? And where is my favorite Twi'lek in the galaxy," Denz asked.

"Who is in charge here?" the Cerean asked, ignoring Denz's comment.

"We're in charge buddy. Now answer my question," Denz continued to annoy the unknown cerean. Until they heard Jules make her way down the ramp.

"Don't listen to that lazer brain Viz," Jules said, joining them at the bottom of the ramp. She looked tired and angry.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Denz smiled. Jules said nothing and looked at Lee who knew something wasn't right.

"What is it?" Lee asked. Jules tried to say but she lost her nerve and hugged Lee immediately. Lee hugged her as he felt her tremble. Something had happened.

"Hey kid," Kina Arde said with R3 beside her. "We need to talk to whoever's in charge."

"What about?" Denz asked.

"Alderaan." Kina simply stated.

"I'm afraid it's true," Mon Mothma addressed the rebel base. It was the afternoon as she informed everyone who had gathered in the outdoor garden. "The Empire has destroyed Aldaraan with the weapon they call the Death Star. Bail and Breha were among their people when they perished."

"What of the princess?! And the plans?" called out a pilot.

"The princess transport was never logged as an arrival," Rya stepped forward as she saw that Mon was struggling with the news.

"That doesn't me anything," a woman cried out.

"We should evacuate as soon as possible. If the Empire should discover we're here–"

"No one is going anywhere," Rya said sternly. "My sources have informed me Organa's transport has been detained by Moff Tarkin. We believe he chose to demonstrate the power of this new weapon on her home plant in order to gain information on the alliance."

"We're doomed!" a man cried out.

"Lieutenant Dax and I have already constructed some contingency plans," Mon took the lead back as she saw the group was weavering. "I will plead to the senate that the princess should be released as soon as possible. Tarkin thinks this act of genocide will bring the galaxy to its knees in submission. I on the other hand believe it will call those who've been on the sidelines to action. I will leave immediately."

"Sure, make sure the senator is off-world and safe," Jules muttered to Lee as they stood in the corner listening to Mon and Rya. "Seems not much has changed has it."

"It is important we don't lose hope. This is one of our darkest hours," Rya said. "When you have doubts, remember those who gave their lives, who found the courage to take a stand, we must do right by them and carry on to destroy this weapon before another planet suffers the same fate."

"May the force be with you all," Mon said as the crowd began to disperse. Lee knew Rya wouldn't be free as she continued to speak with Mon. He turned and walked out toward the shipyard.

"Denz told me about scarif," Jules said, joining him. "Said it really took a toll on you."

"I'm fine," Lee said.

"Who you trying to convince? Me or yourself Tersu? I've been a wreck since I saw that thing in action too. And it's only been a couple days." Jules tilted her head in disbelief. Lee had to hand it to her. She always knew how to call him out when he needed it. "At least you're a star pilot now. You're taking action. Hell, maybe the rest of the alliance will start doing what needs to be done to bring down the Empire."

"Like what?" Lee asked curiously.

"For starters, giving the imps what they deserve," she said coldly. "We picked one up on Kafrene. Kina couldn't see it or didn't care. I knew something was off from the start. Right after Alderaan I shoved her out an escape pod with no controls. Let her float with the destruction her Empire has caused."

"Jules, that's a bit dark don't you think?" Lee was shocked by her confession but wondered what he would have done.

"So what?!" Jules yelled. "They destroyed a whole planet. They destroyed my family and yours."

"We can't make ends justify our means," Lee said. "Or else we're just like them."

"Remember what Saw Gerrera said? If we continue to fight this war on the Empire's terms, we're gonna lose." she said.

"Thought you were done fighting for the cause,"Lee reminded her. "Isn't that why you left?"

"I was tired and scared," Jules admitted. "But I'm ready to get back into it."

"And the rest of your crew? I don't see Arde being too keen on fighting for the cause." Lee pressed her.

"You're right," Jules sighed. "Kina has helped me through a lot. But I know this isn't for her."

"Is it for you?" He continued. Jules turned and looked at her former partner insulted. "Don't look at me that way. I understand why you left. I get it. But you left me too. I can't go through that again. Not now when things are so critical. I need someone I can trust who has my back."

"I got you Tersu," she promised as they saw a Corellian YT-1300 light freighter pull into the shipyard. "What a piece of junk."

Lee watched as Leia Organa emerged with two men, a wookie and two droids. "We better tell Commander Willard, Organa just arrived."

"So that's the princess?" Jules asked. "Nice to finally put a face to the name."

"This is it," Lee said. "This is our chance to make a change."